In Quebec, as elsewhere, we sometimes have a rather rigid view of funeral homes. At Les Espaces Memoria, however, you won't find arid salons or an austere atmosphere. Quite the opposite: we challenge convention with a luminous vision of commemorative celebrations and resting places.
In this article, you'll discover more about the artistic spirit that lives at the core of Les Espaces Memoria, both in the architecture of our establishments and the beauty of our resting places, and in our offer of unique products, designed in collaboration with local artists.
Putting creativity to work in commemorative rituals
Creativity is at the very core of the services offered by the Espaces Memoria team. It is expressed in a variety of ways throughout the company's services, including the wide range of personalized memorial rituals we offer.
At Espaces Memoria, we believe that every life is a story. So, when it comes to paying tribute to a loved one, creativity knows no bounds. Johanne Cadieux, Customer Service Director, explains how creativity shapes the services offered by her team:
“At Les Espaces Memoria, we dare to put creativity to good use when organizing funerals or other forms of memorial rituals. It's important for us to bring out the story of the departed person. So, we make sure that the tribute truly reflects their image. This personalization is part of the unique experience our team offers to the families we serve.”
And when it comes to personalizing rituals, creativity is always welcome. “As long as it's achievable within the means and time we have at our disposal, we'll never close the door on a request or idea proposed by loved ones,” asserts Ms. Cadieux.
Les Espaces Memoria's creativity is also expressed through an openness to adapt commemorative rituals so that they reflect the person being celebrated, their values, traditions and culture.
Finally, this creativity translates into Les Espaces Memoria team's ability to think outside the box to allow all families to offer a unique last farewell to their loved one, whatever their budget.
Local funeral products for a personalized tribute
For Les Espaces Memoria, it's essential to support local talent rather than resorting to mass production. By doing business with Quebec artists and craftspeople, the company helps preserve this precious craftsmanship. This approach also supports the company's mission: to make room for the “beautiful” in the funeral industry. To support this philosophy, Les Espaces Memoria partners with various Quebec designers to create unique, artistic and eco-responsible funeral products.
“Taking particular care in choosing funeral products and services,” says Ms. Cadieux, “opting for unique, quality products are a way of showing respect and love for the person you have lost.”
It’s important to note that “artisan products” doesn’t necessarily mean “expensive products”. Among its vast selection of caskets, urns and reliquaries, Les Espaces Memoria offers options for every style and budget.
Urns and reliquaries
Les Espaces Memoria is proud to offer reliquaries and urns designed by local artisans. “In addition to our desire to encourage local commerce,” says Johanne Cadieux, “we believe that the soul that inhabits these works of art is worthy of honoring loved ones who have passed on.”
Ice urn
Created in exclusive partnership with Les Espaces Memoria by designer Diane Leclair Bisson, the ice urn has received several awards, including a CORE77 Design Award and a Grand prix du design 2017. This intricately designed receptacle is made entirely of ice and is designed to float and disappear slowly, offering a peaceful farewell.
Art therapy: bereavement support from Les Espaces Memoria
Art therapy is an approach that encourages self-expression through the creation of images. In the context of grief, this form of therapy enables us to reconnect with our creative process and better understand our emotions in dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Les Espaces Memoria offers a range of bereavement support resources, including art therapy:
- Art therapy workshops led by Marie-Ève Yergeau, art therapist.
- Downloadable workshops to do at home, created in collaboration with our long-time partner Jean-Marc Péladeau.
- Downloadable art therapy activities for children.
Les Espaces Memoria: art, beauty and expertise
In Les Espaces Memoria lounges and complexes, you’ll find light-filled rooms, projectors or TVs to broadcast images, and a specially designed space to gather with your loved ones.
At the Jean-Talon complex, you’ll find the Englehart Lounge, named in honor of artist, sculptor and master glass artist Muriel Englehart. Here you can admire some of her works and consult her biography.
Art and beauty are also showcased in the various resting places of Les Espaces Memoria:
- The Saint Martin Mausoleum is an architectural masterpiece. Its sumptuous stained-glass windows and high ceilings provide a magnificent space to rest or recollect.
- The Jardin des Mémoires and the Cemetery Memoria honor the beauty of the flora, nature’s work of art.
- The Bellechasse Columbarium, Pointe-aux-Trembles Columbarium and Laval Columbarium all showcase the urns made by skilled collaborators.
Les Espaces Memoria: a vibrant tribute to life
From the architecture of our facilities to our unique product offering, designed by the Memoria team in collaboration with local artists, art, craftsmanship and beauty are an integral part of the very essence of Les Espaces Memoria.
Les Espaces Memoria consists of 7 branches and funeral complexes combining funeral homes and reception rooms under one roof. Some of our locations also have chapels to better serve the families our teams assist.
Contact us to find out more about our exclusive funeral products or to plan a unique commemoration worthy of your loved one’s memory.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
How do you honor the memory of a loved one in an artistic way?
Whether it’s through personalized rituals or funeral products designed by local artisans, Les Espaces Memoria can help you commemorate a loved one who was passionate about art and culture by offering a final tribute that reflects their image.
How can I personalize the funeral of a deceased loved one?
Les Espaces Memoria offers complete personalization of funeral rituals and commemorative ceremonies. Our team can help you select the products and all the details surrounding the event to make it a 100% personalized tribute.
Are funeral products created by artisans more expensive?
Funeral products designed by local artists and craftspeople, such as urns and reliquaries, are not necessarily more expensive. Les Espaces Memoria offers unique products to suit every style and budget.
How does Les Espaces Memoria support local artists and artisans?
Les Espaces Memoria supports art and culture by collaborating with Quebec artists and artisans to design unique, artistic and eco-responsible funeral products.
Where can I find funeral products designed by local artisans in the Greater Montreal area?
Les Espaces Memoria offers a wide selection of funeral products designed by Quebec artisans and produced locally, supporting local creators and local businesses.
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